A proposal by Russian State Duma member Vitaly Milonov has sparked controversy as he suggests sending people seeking divorce to the battlefield in Ukraine. Milonov, known for authoring a law against LGBTQ+ “propaganda,” argued that those defying the “natural” state of marriage should face penalties, either a fine of 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,134) or compulsory labor in the “special military operation” zone, Russia’s term for the conflict in Ukraine.
A video shared by Ukrainian adviser Anton Gerashchenko captured Milonov’s proposal, which met with laughter during a recent hearing. Milonov emphasized the need to penalize divorces, stating, “Marriage is natural; it’s a celebration.” A fellow lawmaker suggested that Milonov draft a corresponding bill.
Russian parliament proposed to punish divorces by sending people to the "SMO" zone or a fine of 100,000 rubles (about $1,100).
"A fine of 100,000 rubles or compulsory labor in the SMO zone. We should penalize divorce. And marriage is natural, it is a celebration," MP Milonov… pic.twitter.com/P8anFTHnDz
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) January 17, 2024
Milonov’s proposal arose during discussions on legislation to reward Russians under 35 who marry with 10,000 rubles ($113), according to Russian state media RT. While it seems unlikely that the divorce punishment plan will become law, it aligns with Moscow’s various initiatives to bolster military ranks during the Ukraine war.
Russia has previously recruited over 100,000 prisoners by offering pardons, resulting in high casualty rates. A British Ministry of Defense assessment noted that elite “Storm-Z” units had become “penal battalions.” Recent reports indicate the detention of suspected illegal migrants on New Year’s Eve for potential deployment in Ukraine.
To encourage voluntary enlistment, Russia offers incentives such as tax-exempt status and “rewards and gifts” during the war. Despite a reported military strength of over 1 million troops, an increasing number are deserting or surrendering to Ukraine as the conflict approaches its two-year mark.
Last week, Ukrainian officials reported over 100 Russian troop surrenders near Avdiivka, with a platoon of nearly 40 troops abandoning the battlefield, attempting to “flee towards Crimea” before being apprehended by their own army.
